Watamu Weekend Trip? The Charming Lonno Lodge!

Howdy! 😀 Are you craving a weekend trip to a sunny, tropical beach destination? The Charming Lonno Lodge is undoubtedly worth adding to your 2020 Travel bucket list!

 

How To Get There

The Charming Lonno Lodge is located in Watamu, about 18Km from the Malindi International Airport.

The easiest way to get to Lonno Lodge, is via flight from Nairobi to Malindi, and then proceed by road to Watamu.

Alternatively, you may choose to board the Madaraka Express train to Mombasa, and connect to Watamu via matatu. Taking this route will cost you around Kes. 1,600.00, one way.

There’s also a direct bus to Watamu from Nairobi, if you don’t mind the over 9 hours’ road trip!

 

The Charming Lonno Lodge Experience!

By now, you guys probably know how much I love Watamu… And hopefully, that love has rubbed off on you too! 😀

I discovered the Charming Lonno Lodge, on Instagram some years back, and I’ve been itching to visit since then.

 

About a month ago, my sister Mercy and I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the Charming Lonno Lodge together. And since Watamu has a special place in my family’s hearts, our excitement was nearly palpable! 😀

 

At the Edge of Paradise…

On arriving at Lonno Lodge, Silvia the owner, received us graciously, with her cute, little fiery dog, Half, hot on her heels! 🙂

And as we were checking in, I couldn’t help feeling like we’d found our way to the edge of paradise…

With its open air feel, white draped curtains dancing to the wind, and white coral rock walls, you’ll feel like you’re somewhere between Lamu and Morocco.

 

We could hardly resist walking past the massive sky-colored pool for a better look at the ocean, beckoning us ever so gently… This felt like home. 🙂

 

Sylvia later introduced us to her nice husband Aldo, and the rest of their sweet dogs: Sam, Bea, Paco and Black. Half, who’s the youngest, is the latest addition to their family.

 

 

Accommodation with the Feels of Royalty!

I bet you’ve watched one of those classic English films with great Castles, where only the Royals reside, yes? 😀

Well, at Lonno Lodge, you are the main character of this film, because the rooms are designed in a classic Castle-style.

My sister and I gasped with delight, as Silvia led us to our room in the North Tower.

 

Solid hardwood doors, with intricate carvings opened up to a lavish room furnished with a kitchenette, double beds, a spacious fancy bathroom, sufficient closet space and a small fridge.

Farther in, sliding doors led to a terrace with a captivating ocean view! We spent the afternoon getting settled in, and recovering from our day’s journey.

 

Later that evening, we ventured out to tour Watamu beach and for dinner with a couple of friends staying nearby.

When we got back to Lonno Lodge, the place felt tranquil, having wound down for the night. Our new furry friends gave us a warm welcome, as a kind Masai-clad night guard led us to our room. 🙂

Before bed, I took my time reveling in their luxurious shower, for all its worth! That night, you can bet that I slept like a babe in its mother’s arms.

 

A perfect day starts with sun-chasing and good food…

Early the next day, I went out sun-chasing, hoping to catch the sunrise painted over the ocean water… But, playing hide and seek with my hopes, the sun barely came out.

Even so, I was content with watching the ocean’s waves rise and fall, as a lone canoe slowly drifted by. It felt quite therapeutic, to say the least. 🙂

 

A few hours later, my sister and I strolled to the restaurant for a sumptuous breakfast, setting the stage for a delightful dining experience. 🙂

 

 

Sylvia came over to say hello and kept us entertained with stories about their time in Kenya and how they started up the Lodge.

As it happened we were the only guests there at the time, which made exploring Lonno Lodge more fun! 😀

 

We opted to soak the afternoon away in the pool, with the hot, coastal sun looming overhead… They have a Jacuzzi at one end of the pool, which feels like getting a relaxing massage in the water!

Enchanted and lost in the charm of Lonno Lonno Lodge, the hours slipped by quite fast… After going out for dinner by the ocean, we spent our last night relaxing and reminiscing over what had been a short and very pleasant stay. 🙂

 

Travel tips:

• The Charming Lonno Lodge has 4 Rooms and 4 suites that can accommodate between 2-5 people each.
• Their rates vary depending on the number of occupants.
• A deluxe room costs about Kes. 29,000.00 per room, for Kenyan residents, on a half-board basis.
• The amount also caters for 4-course meal and you have the option of choosing either dinner or lunch.
• It costs about Kes. 39,000 for non-residents on half-board basis.
• Carry lots of sunscreen and a book to keep you company.
• Since Lonno Lodge is quite removed from the town, they can request a Tuktuk, affordably, on your behalf, if you wish to venture out.
• Other in-house activities at Lonno Lodge: Massage and Yoga.
• A Yoga class costs about Kes. 2,000 per session.
• They can link you up with service providers for more activities around Watamu

 

Ultimate Tip>>Check out this post for ideas of Things To Do In Watamu

 

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Lonno Lodge is an excellent escape if you want to get off the grid and reconnect with yourself or with family. 🙂

It’s also perfect for honeymooners or solo travelers looking for a luxurious escape by the Indian Ocean. Moreover, free WiFi is available around the entire property.

Many thanks to Silvia and Aldo for their kind hospitality; and my love to their wonderful dogs: Black, Bea, Sam, Paco and Half for constantly putting smiles on our faces. 🙂

 

 

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Thank you for reading! 😀 I would love to hear back from you! Do leave a comment down below with your questions & or input!

 

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